Bangladesh orders malls to shut early amid power crisis, seeks India's help
The excessive load-shedding, which has been going on for days, has prompted frustrated residents to attack electricity facilities in some areas, according to a report in Dhaka Tribune. It has forced the Bangladesh Palli Bidyut Association to seek police security for grids, substations and electricity…
The excessive load-shedding, which has been going on for days, has prompted frustrated residents to attack electricity facilities in some areas, according to a report in Dhaka Tribune. It has forced the Bangladesh Palli Bidyut Association to seek police security for grids, substations and.
Over the past few days, local police stations have received letters from electricity cooperatives seeking deployment of police and regular night patrols at power installations. There have been reports of vandalism and arson in Saidpur, Nilphamari, and Kushtia.
What Happened
In some areas, power department officials have been attacked during drives to collect outstanding electricity bills. In Netrokona, officials are allegedly receiving hostile phone calls and threats to vandalise offices, according to a report in Daily Star.
Bangladesh imports over 90% of its oil and 30% of its gas.
Bangladesh's power sector requires more than 1 billion cubic feet of gas a day.
Currently, it is at 700 million cubic feet.
Key Details
So, what precipitated the recent crisis? The present situation is mainly due to a shortage of fuel, particularly natural gas.
The India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline, which was operationalised in 2017 during Sheikh Hasina's tenure, plays a vital role in ensuring Bangladesh's energy security.
As part of a 15-year agreement, India is obligated to send 1,80,000 metric tonnes of diesel annually to Dhaka.
India has already sent over 30,000 tonnes of diesel to Bangladesh in March and April during the Middle East turmoil.
Why It Matters
A pharmaceutical shop uses candle lights in Bangladesh (Reuters) WHY IS BANGLADESH FACING A POWER CRISIS? The latest crisis can be squarely traced to two incidents.
Hasina's recent address to the media in Delhi - her first public speech since she fled Dhaka in 2024 - has only amplified tensions.
This, despite ties between the two neighbours going through turbulence over India giving shelter to deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
What Reports Say
Coverage of the story so far points to:
Continued reporting by India Today as more details emerge
